Connected to Chicago with Bill Cameron

Bill Cameron speaks with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. They discuss taxes and issues surrounding Cook County including her thoughts on the proposed new tax on soft drinks.

Bill is joined by Lynn Sweet from the Sun-Times, Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, and Greg Hinz of Crain's. They talk about how far the Cubs have come and if they think they will go all the way. They also give their takes on the latest news this week on the Presidential campaign.

"Nick Gale focuses on National Teen Driver Safety week (Oct. 16-20) and a recent report from the Governor's Highway Safety Association that shows while teen driver deaths are on the decline, there has been an increase in driving deaths involving older teens ages 18 - 20.

Jim Graham, Global Manager for the Ford Driving Skills for Life program, says some of this has to do with high schools dropping driver's education classes, leaving some teens to wait before getting their licenses. He stresses that parents should help their teens get more time behind the wheel to hone their driving skills."

Bill Cameron opens this week with compelling audio from Scott Cross as he testified to a state Senate committee regarding ending the statute of limitations for sexual abuse crimes against children. Opposition came from Steve Baker of the Cook County Public Defender's Office who argues that a 'middle ground' needs to be established to include the requirement of physical evidence such as DNA. Also this past week in Chicago's City Council, took a vote on changes to police oversight and who is given power in choosing those arrangements.

Bill is joined by Lynn Sweet from the Sun-Times, Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, and Greg Hinz of Crain's. Also joining the panel this week is Cheryl Raye Stout, (atthegame.com) veteran sports reporter for Chicago Public Radio. 'Presidential Debate Two', what does Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton need to achieve. Is Mark Kirk out for the Senate race? And then there are those CUBS! They have an incredible record going into the post season and have seem to be able to make the necessary adjustments to keep winning. Will the promotion of Richard Renteria to manager of the White Sox going to be able to improve their performance next season?

Jennifer Keiper checks in on "Chicago Ideas Week" running October 17 through the 23rd. CIW is a gathering of people from all walks of life, who meet in Chicago to discuss issues and present new ideas and solutions. Gabrielle Zuckerman, Head of Programming for the event tells us who comes to Chicago for this event, the topics, and how the conference goes beyond the meeting rooms and "takes it to the streets" with neighborhood tours and other lab settings.

Topics include The United States' Strategy in the Middle East, Curbing Domestic Violence, Venture Capital, and the Implications of Artificial Intelligence. There is also a session on National Security which includes Mike Mullen, Former Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff; Retired U.S. Navy Admiral, Former CIA Deputy Director Michael Morell, and Jane Harman, Director, President & CEO, Woodrow Wilson Center; Former U.S. Representative.

Bill Cameron interviews Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner. Bill askes him how he is liking the job so far, and what he thinks of the Chicago Teachers' Union announcing a strike date. Bill notes that Rauner is not bashing Mike Madigan as much lately and gets his take on that observation. They discuss new law ideas to help combat Chicago gun violence, and if he would like the income tax to return to 5%.

Bill is joined by Lynn Sweet from the Sun-Times, Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, and Greg Hinz of Crain's. They discuss The Chicago Tribune endorsing Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson for the presidential race, Trump and Hillary's recent visits to Chicago, President Obama coming to town this month to rain money for senate candidate Tammy Duckworth, and the Chicago Teachers' Union strike.

John Dempsey looks at a speech by U.S. Attorney Zach Fardon on the violence on the South and West sides of Chicago.

Bill Cameron interviews George Sheldon, the director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Sheldon discusses the past directors of the department and his current staff. Bill asks how big the problem is with children being placed in non-permanent homes. Sheldon explains the principle of "therapeutic" child care. He also talks about children with absent parents due to incarcerations and ways to assist children who participate in gang activity.

Bill is joined by Lynn Sweet from the Sun-Times, Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, and Greg Hinz of Crain's. They discuss Rahm's blueprint speech on how to handle crime in the city, the latest in the presidential race, and what it would take to get more parties

Nick Gale looks at the upcoming presidential debate happening on Monday, September 26th.

Bill Cameron interviews Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. He talks about the the Chicago Cubs’ recent success, public safety issues, his thoughts on the upcoming election, and is he through raising taxes for awhile?

Bill is joined by Lynn Sweet from the Sun-Times, Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, and Greg Hinz of Crain's. They discuss the winning Cubs, Trump saying he thinks President Obama was born in the United States, Hilary’s health, the Urban League pushing back against Rahm, and is Bruce Rauner Re-electable?

Jennifer Keiper speaks with Kate Carr, head of "Safe Kids Worldwide talks about "Child Passenger Safety Week" (Sept. 18-24) which culminates in "National Seat Check Saturday" on September 24. Carr says more than 2,600 children under 13 are involved in a car crash every day. Her group has come up with a guide for parents called the "Ultimate Car Seat Guide." Carr discusses when a car seat should be used, when the change should be made to a booster seat, and when a parent can let a child sit in the front passenger seat.

Bill Cameron interviews Senator Dick Durbin. He gives his take on Trump’s popularity, who he thinks will run for Illinois governor in 2 years, the ethics of for-profit higher education, and does he thing we need to change Obamacare?

Bill is joined by Lynn Sweet from the Sun-Times, Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, and Greg Hinz of Crain's. They discuss Senator Mark Kirk speaking without filter, yet again. Also the latest in the race with between him and Tammy Duckworth.

John Dempsey shares new findings in the Brown’s Chicken Massacre.

Bill interviews U.S. Representative for Illinois's 2nd congressional district, Robin Kelly. They talk about the recent gun crimes and violence in the city. Kelly discusses the need for new legislation in Illinois. She also talks about holding police accountable for their actions and the new use of cameras to monitor police action. And should we have price control on medical procedures?

Bill is joined by Lynn Sweet from the Sun-Times, Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, and Greg Hinz of Crain’s. They discuss the latest in the presidential race, Tammy Duckwork calling out Mark Kirk for calling President Obama “drug dealer in chief”

John Dempsey covers improvements in wait times at TSA checkpoints at Chicago airports.

Bill interviews State Senator Daniel Biss. They discuss the problem with Illinois finances and funding. Biss talks about the state’s dependence on property taxes, the need to reform the state income tax, and how our method for funding schools can be considered the most unfair. As a math teacher, he comments on the comptroller’s statement saying the opposing candidate isn’t good enough at math.

Bill is joined by Lynn Sweet from the Sun-Times, Ray Long of The Chicago Tribune, and Greg Hinz of Crain’s. They discuss the latest in the presidential race, Mark Kirk in the Senate race, and Chicago police brutality accusations.

After another deadly weekend in Chicago, Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson spoke to reporters about the need to crack down on those who are carrying out the violence and the need for the community to help. Johnson also announced a new bill in Springfield that would give judges the power to impose heftier sentences for felons convicted, more than once, of having a gun illegally.